For Elisabeth Degryse's chief of staff, “We must absolutely not touch the special financing law”

Laurent de Briey, chief of staff to the Minister-President of the Wallonia-Brussels Federation, has voiced strong opposition to any revision of Belgium's special financing law (LSF). The LSF, last updated in 2014, governs the financial distribution among the country's entities and determines the budget allocated to the Wallonia-Brussels Federation.

The Federal Planning Bureau recently proposed modifying the LSF as part of a broader set of 264 cost-saving measures for the federal government. While the proposal does not guarantee a revision, particularly given the need for a qualified majority and potential opposition from francophone parties like MR and Les Engagés, concerns exist that the idea might gain traction.

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It would be a bad idea to revise the special financing law downwards because it will be more favorable to us in the coming years.

De Briey stated, "It would be a bad idea to revise the special financing law downwards because it will be more favorable to us in the coming years." He explained that demographic shifts are expected to improve francophone finances. By 2028, the "responsibility contribution" for pensions will reach its full effect, and revenue will increase due to demographic adaptation coefficients. Specifically, the demographic evolution in the francophone community is projected to decrease, positively impacting the federation's allocation.

He further elaborated that the "transition mechanism" will continue to diminish, contributing approximately 100 million euros to improving the budgetary situation. De Briey shares the view of his boss, Minister Elisabeth Degryse, that the savings achieved will free up resources for future investments, rather than solely being used to repay debt. He argues that implementing savings is precisely what will make the LSF more advantageous, contrasting this with a scenario where inaction would lead to funds being used merely for debt servicing.

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Because we are going to make savings, the LSF will be more favorable. If we do nothing, all this will just serve to repay debt instead of reducing the deficit.